[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 579 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 579
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to provide for a research,
development, and demonstration program, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 13, 2025
Mr. Durbin (for himself, Mr. Daines, Mr. Schumer, Ms. Murkowski, Mr.
Young, and Mr. Padilla) introduced the following bill; which was read
twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to provide for a research,
development, and demonstration program, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Energy Quantum
Leadership Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH
PROGRAM.
Section 401 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8851)
is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a
research, development, and demonstration program on quantum information
science, engineering, and technology.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, engineering,
and technology'' after ``science'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, engineering,
and technology'' after ``science'';
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) provide research experiences and training for
additional undergraduate and graduate students in quantum
information science, engineering, and technology, including in
the fields specified in paragraph (4);'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as
paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively;
(E) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) operate National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers under section 402 to accelerate and scale scientific
and technical breakthroughs in quantum information science,
engineering, and technology, and maintain state-of-the-art
infrastructure for quantum researchers and industry partners;
``(4) conduct cooperative basic and applied research with
industry, National Laboratories, institutions of higher
education, and other research institutions to facilitate the
development, demonstration, and commercial application of
quantum information science, engineering, and technology
priorities, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, including
in the fields of--
``(A) quantum information theory;
``(B) quantum physics;
``(C) quantum computational science, including
hardware and software, machine learning, and data
science;
``(D) applied mathematics and algorithm
development;
``(E) quantum communications and networking,
including hardware and software for quantum
communications and networking;
``(F) quantum sensing, imaging, and detection;
``(G) materials science and engineering;
``(H) quantum modeling and simulation, including
molecular modeling;
``(I) near- and long-term application development,
as determined by the Secretary of Energy;
``(J) quantum chemistry;
``(K) quantum biology;
``(L) superconductive and high-performance
microelectronics; and
``(M) quantum security technologies;'';
(F) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), in
subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(G) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by striking ``and'' before
``potential''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``, and other relevant stakeholders,
as determined by the Secretary of Energy;
and''; and
(H) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) leverage the collective body of knowledge and data,
including experience and resources from existing Federal
research activities and commercially available quantum
computing hardware and software, to the extent practicable.'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Industry Outreach.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall engage with the quantum
technology industry and promote commercialization of applications of
quantum technology relevant to the activities of the Department of
Energy by--
``(1) educating--
``(A) the energy industry on near-term and
commercially available quantum technologies; and
``(B) the quantum industry on potential energy
applications;
``(2) accelerating the advancements of United States
quantum computing, communications, networking, sensing, and
security capabilities to protect and optimize the energy
sector;
``(3) advancing relevant domestic supply chains,
manufacturing capabilities, and associated simulations or
modeling capabilities;
``(4) facilitating commercialization of quantum
technologies from National Laboratories and engaging with the
Quantum Economic Development Consortium and other
organizations, as applicable, to transition component
technologies that advance the development of a quantum supply
chain; and
``(5) to the extent practicable, ensuring industry partner
access, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses, to
specialized quantum instrumentation, equipment, testbeds, and
other infrastructure to design, prototype, and test novel
quantum hardware and streamline user access to reduce costs and
other administrative burdens.
``(d) High-Performance Computing Strategic Plan.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Energy shall
submit to Congress a 10-year strategic plan to guide Federal
programs in designing, expanding, and procuring hybrid, energy-
efficient high-performance computing systems capable of
integrating with a diverse set of accelerators, including
quantum, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
accelerators, to enable the computing facilities of the
Department of Energy to advance national computing resources.
``(2) Contents.--The strategic plan under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
``(A) A conceptual plan to leverage capabilities
and infrastructure from the exascale computing program,
as the Secretary of Energy determines necessary.
``(B) A plan to minimize disruptions to the
advanced scientific computing workforce.
``(C) A consideration of a diversity of quantum
computing modalities.
``(D) A plan to integrate cloud access of
commercially available quantum hardware and software to
complement on-premises high-performance computing
systems and resources consistent with the QUEST program
established under section 404.
``(e) Early-Stage Quantum High-Performance Computing Research and
Development Program.--
``(1) Definition of quantum high-performance computing.--In
this subsection, the term `quantum high-performance computing'
means the use of classical high-performance computing systems
with quantum processing units and hybrid quantum-classical
algorithms to leverage the strength of computational
architectures and solve complex problems.
``(2) Program.--The Secretary of Energy shall establish an
early-stage research and development program in quantum high-
performance computing--
``(A) to inform the 10-year strategic plan
described in subsection (d)(1); and
``(B) to build the necessary scientific computing
workforce to fulfill the objectives of that plan.
``(3) Activities.--The program established under paragraph
(2) shall--
``(A) support early-stage quantum supercomputing
testbeds and prototypes; and
``(B) connect early-stage quantum high-performance
computing projects to the Centers funded under this
Act.
``(4) Funding.--Of funds made available under subsection
(i)(1), the Secretary of Energy shall use not more than
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry
out the activities under this subsection.
``(f) Supply Chain Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation
with the Secretary of Commerce, shall conduct a study on quantum
science, engineering, and technology supply chain needs, including--
``(1) identifying hurdles to growth in the quantum industry
by leveraging the expertise of relevant stakeholders in
academia and industry, including the Quantum Economic
Development Consortium; and
``(2) making recommendations on how to strengthen the
domestic supply of materials and technologies necessary for the
development of a robust manufacturing base and workforce.
``(g) Traineeship Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy shall establish
a university-led traineeship program--
``(A) to address workforce development needs in
quantum information science, engineering, and
technology; and
``(B) that will focus on supporting increased
participation, workforce development, and research
experiences for underrepresented undergraduate and
graduate students.
``(2) Funding.--Of funds made available under subsection
(i)(1), the Secretary of Energy shall use not more than
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry
out the activities under this subsection.
``(h) Coordination of Activities.--In carrying out this section,
the Secretary of Energy shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
coordinate with the Director of the National Science Foundation, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the
heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies to ensure that
programs and activities carried out under this section complement and
do not duplicate existing efforts across the Federal government.
``(i) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Of amounts authorized to be appropriated
for the Department of Energy, the Secretary of Energy shall use
not more than $175,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026
through 2030 to carry out activities under this section.
``(2) Restrictions.--
``(A) Confucius institute.--None of the funds made
available under this subsection may be obligated to or
expended by an institution of higher education that
maintains a contract or other agreement with a
Confucius Institute or any successor of a Confucius
Institute.
``(B) Foreign countries and entities of concern.--
``(i) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
``(I) Foreign country of concern.--
The term `foreign country of concern'
means--
``(aa) a covered nation (as
defined in section 4872(d) of
title 10, United States Code);
and
``(bb) any other country
that the Secretary of Energy,
in consultation with the
Secretary of Defense, the
Secretary of State, and the
Director of National
Intelligence, determines to be
engaged in conduct that is
detrimental to the national
security or foreign policy of
the United States.
``(II) Foreign entity of concern.--
The term `foreign entity of concern'
means a foreign entity that--
``(aa) is designated as a
foreign terrorist organization
by the Secretary of State under
section 219(a) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1189(a));
``(bb) is included on the
list of specially designated
nationals and blocked persons
maintained by the Office of
Foreign Assets Control of the
Department of the Treasury;
``(cc) is owned by,
controlled by, or subject to
the jurisdiction or direction
of a government of a foreign
country that is a covered
nation (as defined in section
4872(d) of title 10, United
States Code);
``(dd) is alleged by the
Attorney General to have been
involved in activities for
which a conviction was obtained
under--
``(AA) chapter 37
of title 18, United
States Code (commonly
known as the `Espionage
Act');
``(BB) section 951
or 1030 of title 18,
United States Code;
``(CC) chapter 90
of title 18, United
States Code (commonly
known as the `Economic
Espionage Act of
1996');
``(DD) the Arms
Export Control Act (22
U.S.C. 2751 et seq.);
``(EE) section 224,
225, 226, 227, or 236
of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C.
2274, 2275, 2276, 2277,
2284);
``(FF) the Export
Control Reform Act of
2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801 et
seq.); or
``(GG) the
International Emergency
Economic Powers Act (50
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
or
``(ee) is determined by the
Secretary of Energy, in
consultation with the Secretary
of Defense and the Director of
National Intelligence, to be
engaged in unauthorized conduct
that is detrimental to the
national security or foreign
policy of the United States.
``(ii) Restriction.--None of the funds made
available under this subsection may be
obligated or expended to promote, establish, or
finance quantum research activities between a
United States entity and a foreign country of
concern or a foreign entity of concern.''.
SEC. 3. DOE QUANTUM INSTRUMENTATION AND FOUNDRY PROGRAM.
The National Quantum Initiative Act is amended by inserting after
section 401 (15 U.S.C. 8851) the following:
``SEC. 401A. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM INSTRUMENTATION AND FOUNDRY
PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall establish an
instrumentation and infrastructure program to carry out the following:
``(1) Maintain United States leadership in quantum
information science, engineering, and technology.
``(2) Develop domestic quantum supply chains.
``(3) Provide resources for the broader scientific
community.
``(4) Support activities carried out under sections 401,
402, 403, and 404.
``(b) Program Components.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall--
``(1) develop, design, build, purchase, and commercialize
specialized equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and state-of-
the-art instrumentation to advance quantum engineering research
and the development of quantum component technologies at a
scale sufficient to meet the needs of the scientific community
and enable commercialization of quantum technology;
``(2) leverage the capabilities of National Laboratories
and Nanoscale Science Research Centers, including facilities
and experts that research and develop novel quantum materials
and devices; and
``(3) consider the technologies and end-use applications
that have significant economic potential, as determined by the
Secretary, based on consultation with relevant stakeholders in
academia and industry, including the Quantum Economic
Development Consortium.
``(c) Quantum Foundries.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), and in coordination with institutions of higher
education and industry, the Secretary of Energy shall support the
development of quantum foundries focused on meeting the device,
hardware, software, and materials needs of the scientific community and
the quantum supply chain.
``(d) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Secretary of Energy shall consult with the following entities
to identify the instrumentation, equipment, infrastructure, and
materials needed to support the objectives of that program:
``(1) The National Institute of Standards and Technology.
``(2) The National Science Foundation.
``(3) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
``(4) Any other relevant Federal agency.
``(5) The National Laboratories.
``(6) National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers.
``(7) Industry stakeholders.
``(8) Institutions of higher education.
``(9) Any other research institution.
``(e) Funding.--Of amounts authorized to be appropriated for the
Department of Energy, the Secretary of Energy shall use not more than
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out
this section.''.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTERS.
Section 402 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8852)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``basic''; and
(ii) by striking ``science and technology
and to support research conducted under section
401'' and inserting ``science, engineering, and
technology, expand capacity for the domestic
quantum workforce, and support research
conducted under sections 401, 403, and 404'';
and
(B) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ``that may
include 1 or more commercial entities'' after
``collaborations'';
(2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``and should be
inclusive of the variety of viable quantum technologies, as
appropriate'' before the period at the end;
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``basic''; and
(B) by inserting ``, engineering, and technology,
accelerating quantum workforce development,'' after
``science'';
(4) in subsection (e), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Renewal.--Each Center established under this section
may be renewed for an additional period of 5 years following a
successful, merit-based review and approval by the Director.'';
and
(5) in subsection (f), in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``$25,000,000'' and inserting
``$35,000,000''; and
(B) by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting
``2026 through 2030''.
SEC. 5. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
Section 403 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8853)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by inserting ``, including'' after
``networking''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) as applicable, leverage a diversity of modalities and
commercially available quantum hardware and software; and
``(7) develop education and training pathways related to
quantum network infrastructure investments, aligned with
existing programmatic investments by the Department of
Energy.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and
(D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively;
and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) the Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration and the head of any other
relevant Federal agency, as determined by the
Secretary;'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
``ground-to-space and'' before ``space-to-
ground'';
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking
``photon-based'' and inserting ``all applicable
modalities of'';
(iii) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``,
quantum sensors,'' after ``quantum repeaters'';
(iv) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) by inserting ``data centers,''
after ``repeaters,''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(v) in subparagraph (H)--
(I) by striking ``the quantum
technology stack'' and inserting
``quantum technology modality stacks'';
and
(II) by striking ``National
Laboratories in'' and inserting
``National Laboratories such as''; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) development of quantum network and
entanglement distribution protocols or applications,
including development of network stack protocols and
protocols enabling integration with existing
technologies or infrastructure; and
``(J) development of high-efficiency room-
temperature photon detectors for quantum photonic
applications, including quantum networking and
communications;'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``basic''; and
(ii) by striking ``material'' and inserting
``materials''; and
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``fundamental'';
and
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ``basic research'' and
inserting ``research, development, and demonstration''.
SEC. 6. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM USER EXPANSION FOR SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
Section 404 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8854)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``and quantum computing clouds'' and inserting
``, software, and cloud-based quantum computing'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) to enable development of software and applications,
including estimation of resources needed to scale applications;
and
``(6) to develop near-term quantum applications to solve
public and private sector problems.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) enable users to develop algorithms, software tools,
simulators, and applications for quantum systems using cloud-
based quantum computers; and
``(7) partner with appropriate public- and private-sector
entities to develop training and education opportunities on
prototype and early-stage devices to support commercial
applications.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as
paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration;''; and
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) $38,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(7) $39,900,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
``(8) $41,895,000 for fiscal year 2030.''.
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